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Which used Vauxhall Astra should you buy?

The Vauxhall Astra is a family car that’s really well equipped, good to drive and available with low prices. There are plenty for sale second-hand, too, so finding a great used Vauxhall Astra deal isn’t difficult – it’s just about finding the right one for you.

Over the years, there have been plenty of engines available in the Vauxhall Astra. Lower-powered versions use a 1.0-litre petrol unit, which is impressively strong considering its small size, but there are more powerful and larger petrols available, too.

Those looking for maximum fuel economy might want to consider one of the punchy diesel engines, and hybrid versions have also started to appear on the used market.

There’s a choice of manual and automatic gearboxes, plus those looking for maximum carrying capacity might consider the estate version, called the Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer, which extends the boot to create more interior space.

However, even the normal hatchback model is roomy, with a decent-sized boot and plenty of space for passengers in the rear seats.

One thing to be aware of when buying a used Vauxhall Astra is that many are used as company cars, rental cars or otherwise haven’t been owned by the driver themselves.

You may want to check for signs of this, such as worn seats, scratches and other damage caused by careless users. There are so many for sale that you can always find another. If you don’t mind this, it could be reflected with a lower price.

Read our full Vauxhall Astra review

 

What used Vauxhall Astra trim levels are available?

Given how long the Vauxhall Astra has been around, and how strongly it has sold, there’s a huge amount of different trim levels on offer.

In addition, some older Vauxhall Astras will have similar names but different specifications to more recent versions. So always check that any specific car you’re looking to buy has all the kit you want, before signing on the dotted line. Read on for our guide to some of the more prominent trim levels.

 

Vauxhall Astra SE

The Vauxhall Astra SE is pretty well-equipped for a base model, which is good news for bargain hunters. Key highlights on the lengthy standard equipment list include:

  • 16-inch alloy wheels
  • Air-conditioning
  • Cruise control
  • Electric windows
  • LED daytime running lights
  • Hill-start assist
  • Seven-inch touchscreen media system
  • Digital radio
  • Bluetooth
  • USB connectivity
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay

Vauxhall Astra Business Edition Nav

Upgrading to the Vauxhall Astra Business Edition Nav adds sat-nav to the list of technology, as you might expect from the name of the trim level, as well as some interesting equipment.

  • Sat-nav
  • Leather steering wheel
  • LED headlights
  • Automatic windscreen wipers
  • Ambient interior lights
  • Front armrest
  • Alternative alloy wheels

Vauxhall Astra SRi

The Vauxhall Astra SRi is a popular trim level and you’ll find plenty for sale. Although it doesn’t come with sat-nav, you get the same seven-inch media system here as on Vauxhall Astra SE models.

  • Seven-inch touchscreen media system
  • Digital radio
  • Bluetooth
  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • LED lights
  • Heated door mirrors
  • Sports-style front seats
  • Auto-dimming rear view mirror
  • Front foglights
  • Electronic parking brake
  • Autonomous emergency braking 
  • Forward collision warning
  • Lane departure assist 
  • Following distance indicator 

Vauxhall Astra SRi Nav

The Vauxhall Astra SRi Nav was only £500 more than the Vauxhall Astra SRi when new and adds sat-nav, so was well worth the upgrade. Many drivers will have done exactly this, so you should see plenty of these available used.

  • Sat-nav

Vauxhall Astra Griffin Edition

The Vauxhall Astra Griffin Edition was great value when new, coming with a long list of standard equipment, as detailed below. It also features all the safety kit from the Vauxhall Astra SRi model.

  • Sat-nav
  • Seven-inch touchscreen media system
  • Climate control
  • Interior ambient lighting
  • Ergonomic seats
  • Heated seats
  • Heated steering wheel
  • 18-inch alloy wheels
  • Tinted windows
  • Black roof
  • Rear parking sensors
  • Autonomous emergency braking (Driving Assistance Pack)
  • Forward collision warning (Driving Assistance Pack)
  • Lane departure assist (Driving Assistance Pack)
  • Following distance indicator (Driving Assistance Pack)

Vauxhall Astra Elite Nav

The Vauxhall Astra Elite Nav was one of the most expensive models when new, but does come with lots of extra equipment. 

  • Sat-nav
  • Eight-inch touchscreen media system
  • Eight-inch digital display
  • Dual-zone climate control
  • Heated sports seats
  • Perforated leather upholstery
  • Additional USB ports
  • Upgraded 17-inch alloy wheels
  • Keyless entry
  • Keyless start

Is a used Vauxhall Astra a good buy?

The Vauxhall Astra is a similar size and shape to the Ford Focus and ever popular Volkswagen Golf, so is up against some stiff competition.

It’s pitched as a cheaper alternative to those models, so tends to be good value considering the amount of standard kit you get. This is especially true second-hand, as some versions of the Vauxhall Astra lose value quickly from new, which is great news for those who want a used model.

Yet the Vauxhall Astra is surprisingly good to drive. It’s more entertaining than a Volkswagen Golf, for example, even though it’s not as much fun as a Ford Focus, and offers sufficient comfort, too.